An Act relative to the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in the town of Fairhaven

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 4234 allows Fairhaven to appoint retired police officers as special officers, enhancing local law enforcement while providing reemployment opportunities for retirees.

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 90 of the Acts of 2026

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4234 aims to authorize the town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, to appoint retired police officers as special police officers. This legislation seeks to enhance local law enforcement capabilities by allowing retired officers to perform police duties, particularly during police details, thereby leveraging their experience and expertise.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important changes to the existing legal framework regarding the appointment of special police officers:

Eligibility Criteria:

Only retired police officers from Fairhaven who retired based on superannuation are eligible.
Retired officers must not have been retired for more than five years.
Officers aged 70 or older are ineligible for appointment.

Appointment Process:

The chief of police, with the approval of the town administrator, has the authority to appoint retired officers as special police officers.
Appointments are for an indefinite term but can be terminated by the chief of police with 14 days' written notice.

Medical Examination:

Retired officers must pass a medical examination to ensure they can perform the essential duties of a special police officer. The cost of this examination is to be borne by the officer.

Compensation and Benefits:

Special police officers will not be subject to certain provisions of the General Laws, including those related to civil service and collective bargaining.
They are entitled to compensation under specific sections of the General Laws, with limitations on earnings as outlined in section 111F.

Training Requirements:

Special police officers must comply with all requirements of chapter 6E of the General Laws, including maintaining certification and completing annual training mandated by the municipal police training committee.

Affected Parties

Retired Police Officers: The bill directly impacts retired officers from Fairhaven, providing them with opportunities for reemployment in a law enforcement capacity.

Fairhaven Police Department: The department will benefit from the experience of retired officers, potentially improving community safety and police presence during events.

Town of Fairhaven: The town administration will have the flexibility to utilize retired officers for various police duties without the constraints typically associated with hiring new officers.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: June 23, 2025

Current Status: As of November 24, 2025, the bill has been read and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session, indicating it is still under consideration.

Legislative History: The bill has undergone several readings and amendments, with a favorable report from the committee and a scheduled hearing on July 16, 2025.

Conclusion

Bill H 4234 represents a strategic move to utilize the skills of retired police officers in Fairhaven, enhancing local law enforcement capabilities while providing retired officers with opportunities for continued service. The bill's provisions aim to ensure that appointments are made judiciously, maintaining public safety and compliance with legal standards.

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